«He was not hip-hop's most gifted emcee. Still, Shakur may be the most influential and compelling rapper of them all, he was more than the sum of his artistic parts.»

«Gangsta rap often reaches higher than its ugliest, lowest common denominator, misogyny, violence, materialism and sexual transgression are not its exclusive domain. At its best, this music draws attention to complex dimensions of ghetto life ignored by most Americans. Indeed, gangsta rap's in-your-face style may do more to force America to confront crucial social problems than a million sermons or political speeches.»

«I wish I was a rapper. There are certainly times when I wish I could just drop an album and channel all my ideas, anger, humor and energy into some music and be done with it.»

«I said Yo Jay, I can rap. And I spit this rap that said I'm killin' ya'll *****s on this lyrical sh*t, mayonnaise colored benz, I push miracle whips.»

«GodWhen I was alone, and had nothingI asked for a friend to help me bear the painNo one came, except GodWhen I needed a breath to rise, from my sleepNo one could help me.. except GodWhen all I saw was sadness, and I needed answersNo one heard me, except GodSo when I'm asked.. who I give my unconditional love to?I look for no other name, except God»

«Can you picture my prophecy?»

«Let me show you, the rhyme..Excuse me - but, Lady Liberty needs glassesand so does Mrs. Justice by her sideBoth the broads are blind as bats, stumblin through - the systemJustice bumped into M'Tulu, trippin on Geronimo Prattbut stepped right over Oliver and his crooked partner RonnieJustice stubbed her big toe on MandelaAnd Liberty was misquoted by the IndiansSlavery was just a learning phase, forgotten without a verdictwhile Justice is on a rampagefor endangered survivin black malesI mean really; if anyone REALLY valued lifeand cared about the massesThey'd take 'em both to Pen Opticaland get TWO pairs of glassesExcuse me - but, Lady Liberty needs glassesI'm kickin asses up and down New York CityIt's a pityBrothers wanna be grimy and gritty to each otherWhat would your mother think, smotherin your brother?I see you sink, into another levelDancin with the devilTurn up the bass, cause I'm player; also a rhyme sayerKind of fly, layer after layerWhy.. cause I'm blessedCause I've progressedI've learned my lessonsClass has always been in session, so you better take notesAnd stop chokin on negativity»

«Thanks for comin out, God bless you, good night...What of fame?Everyone knows your face, the world screams your nameAnd never again, are you alone..»

«Right now, it is it is almost.. it is almost uhh, IMPOSSIBLE for you not to see how strong rap has gottenY'knowhatI'msayin, it's it's like umm..our our brothers and sisters, our youths, and some of our adultstheir ear is PINNED to rap music right nowAnd if you really wanna get our message outand really wanna start teachin, we need to start doin thatWe we really need to start usin, our methods, y'knowhatI'msayin?The Last Poets did it with poetryAnd uhh, and and.. even in our historyfrom a ancient Afl- African civilizationpoets went from village to villageAnd that's how, stories and messages and lessons were taughtY'knowhatI'mssayin, and so like you say, history repeats itselfAnd so.. it it was, it was.. at it was, y'know obviousIt was, pick it up, y'know?Bein the race that we are, bein the strong race that we areWe picked it up, we picked up those positive, those positive vibesand we started rappin and soI think it is, it's a very good medium too»

«He's braggin about his new Jordan'sThe baby just ran out of milkHe's buyin gold every two weeksThe baby just ran out of PampersHe's buyin clothes for his new girland the baby just ran out of medicineYou ask for money for the baby?The daddy just ran out the doorGIRL! I can't believe him(I can..)»